I wish I could answer that question with just a couple of sentences. But I cannot. There is no easy way to answer this question.
Arthritis is a degenerative condition of the joint which leads to numerous pathological changes involving various structures.
A key finding is damage to the articular cartilage surface such as depicted in the picture. In some cases the cartilage simply thins out like a worn out tire thread. In other cases the cartilage develops ulcerations and loose flaps like a blown out tire.
In addition to the cartilage damage there are pathological changes to the joint fluid (loss of viscosity), the joint lining becomes inflamed (synovitis) and the menisci will tear (degenerative tears). There are also bony changes including sclerotic bone formation, spur formation (osteophytes), cyst formation, deformity such as bowing and insufficiency fractures due to overloading of the supporting bone.
So just to go back to the initial question, what does arthritis look like? It looks like a grenade went off in the knee. I think that’s about the best way to describe (severe) arthritis.
And it is for this reason that arthritis treatment can be so challenging.
Thank you for taking the time to read this article. If you would like more information regarding treating arthritis here are some articles which may be helpful to you. Please let me know if I can be of service.